The most efficient step to productive land is making sure soil fertility levels are within their target ranges. Liming and fertilizing at regular intervals is just as important as the seed you put in the ground. Without proper fertility levels, yields will be low and competition from weeds will be strong. We’re big believers in spending resources where they make the most impact.

Before making any recommendations we literally start from the ground up with a careful soil analysis. Whether you are renovating grazing pastures, planting food plots, or trying to rid a field of weeds, it’s important to start from square one. We can help with analysis, recommendations, and appropriate application of lime and fertilizer

MAINTENANCE

Fields and Pastures are the foundation of any farm – and there are few areas on a farm that benefit more from ongoing preventive maintenance. Maintaining and improving fertility levels, bush hogging, installing automatic waterers, full field and pasture renovation – we have the resources and experience to help our clients efficiently management their asset.

RENOVATION

The intended changes are designed to improve the species composition or to increase the population of a selected species in the pasture. Successful pasture renovation can extend the productive life of a pasture, improve pasture quality, increase pasture carrying capacity, and/or replace old or diseased pasture species with healthy improved varieties. The renovation of pasture or hay fields must be carefully planned well ahead of the target planting date to ensure successful renovation. With this in mind, several questions should be answered before proceeding with renovation. These questions include the following:

• What are my current fertility levels?

• Does my pasture need total or partial renovation?

• Which legume or grass species and varieties should I use?

• What renovation technique is best?

• When should I renovate?

Forest mulching is a land clearing method that utilizes a special machine to cut, grind and clear vegetation. The machine shreds trees, brush and other unwanted vegetation into a layer of mulch that is spread over the cleared area. It is a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional clearing methods, such as bulldozing and the mulch serves several purposes:

• Soil Enrichment: as the mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients back into the soil, improving fertility.

• Erosion Control: the mulch layers helps to prevent soil erosion by wind and rain.

• Moisture Retention: the mulch helps the soil retain moisture, which is beneficial for plant growth.

There are some jobs that call for bigger equipment. Sometimes it’s clearing new pastures and food plots, other times it’s building a new driveway or farm road. Whatever the case, HELM has you covered when the jobs get bigger. Often times when we get into renovation or reclamation projects we turn to excavators, skid steers, and forest mulchers because there is nothing that completes the job more efficiently.  

As a full service land management company, we bring a unique perspective to these types of projects. We start the planning process by evaluating all aspects of their full life cycle. Executing the project is just the first consideration – we want to know how it will function and be maintained over the long run. Any project can look good at completion but that does not matter if it does not stand the test of time.

Fine grading, also known as finish grading, is the final step in the excavation process that prepares the surface for its intended use. It involves meticulously shaping the soil to achieve a smooth, level, and precisely contoured surface according to the project specifications. This is crucial for proper drainage, foundation stability and creating a visually appealing landscape.

Fine grading is a crucial step in creating a functional and safe outdoor riding arena. It involves precisely shaping the surface of the arena to ensure proper drainage and a level riding surface. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Sub-base preparation: The existing soil is graded to a slight slope (typically 1-2%) to promote drainage. In some cases, a compacted gravel base may be needed for additional stability.

2. Fine grading: Once the sub-base is prepped, the top layer of soil is meticulously leveled to create a uniform, flat surface. This usually involves using specialized equipment like a grader or laser leveler.

3. Compaction: The graded surface is then compacted thoroughly to ensure a solid foundation that can withstand horse traffic.

Proper fine grading is essential for preventing water pooling, which can lead to muddy conditions and impact the arena's usability. It also ensures a safe and comfortable riding experience for horses.

HELM offers a variety of services that help maintain the structural integrity of a steam channel to ensure long-term stability and ecological balance. The approach involves a combination of engineering. We focus on enhancing and rehabilitating stream ecosystems to improve water quality, restore natural habitats and prevent erosion. Using techniques like planting native vegetation and installing erosion control measures, we help mitigate flooding, reduce sedimentation and promote a healthier aquatic ecosystem while supporting sustainable land and water management.